Job Discussion Forums

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

I have been spending WAY too much time perusing the http://icanhascheezburger.com/ website and I desperately want to get a cat. If I end up moving in with my girlfriend then we'll probably get a new apartment and if that happens I would like to get a cat/kitten. I think I probably already know the answer but in apartments in Japan are cats: a) occasionally permitted, b)rarely permitted or c) absolutely verboten without exception?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Probably tending towards the "rarely permitted" end of the spectrum, and even so, it may cost you more in rent.

Wintermute · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 79

Real estate agents have a "Pets OK" apartments section, the rent is roughly the same but your choice is limited. Cats are usually tolerated by landlords because they are generally cleaner than dogs and they make very little noise. That said I would definitely ask before moving in.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo at least it's common to ask for 4 months rent as a deposit if you have a cat or dog, rather than the usual 1 or 2. Provided you or your pet doesn't wreck the place you would get most of that back on leaving, but it's a lot to shell out in addition to the key money, agency fee etc.

Gypsy Rose Kim · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 151

I have two cats. I was knocked back by A LOT of fudosan, but more for being foreign than having cats. One cat is more acceptable than two, but I found having one cat in a small apartment meant she got lonely and bored easily. With two cats, they are both very, very genki. (Depends on the cat, of course.)

I arrived in Japan in July last year, and it took me six weeks of searching to find an apartment within my price range where I could keep them. Bear in mind there were other obstacles, like me not having a Japanese guarantor (other than my very big, famous company).

My philosophy in life is, you can have anything you want...but you can't have EVERYTHING you want. So, I pay a bit more than my coworkers for rent (135,000 with no key money and one month's deposit). But I have 40 square meters right in Nakameguro, walking distance to Shibuya, Ebisu, Daikanyama. And if I have less money to go out? Well, I can stay home with my cats. Which, most days, I'd rather do, anyway.

I spent thousands of dollars getting my cats to Japan, and I do not regret it for a second. They are very good companions, and they are around 24 hours a day. If you try to factor the amount of money you spend, versus how much they give back, having cats wins in my opinion. By a long shot.

I also lived with my boyfriend before. We had a cat and the cat kind of helped smooth out any little relationship bumps we experienced. No cultural differences with a cat, you know? When I saw my boyfriend interacting with the cat, it made him seem so human and lovable.

I am the happiest, least stressed-out person I know. I am pretty sure the cats have a big hand in this.

Lots of people will give you reasons why you shouldn't get a cat. I'm sorry for the rant, but I feel very strongly that having a real home with pets and nice furniture and things you like is the difference between feeling like a disgruntled visitor and someone who is settled down and grown up.

The most important thing is, get a cat whose personality matches your own. Take your time to find the right one. If you love your girlfriend, and you love your cat, and you're flexible, you'll find a way to make it work.

Vets, litter, and food are cheap here.

Remember, anything with tatami is OUT. Can your girlfriend deal with that? I like flooring, anyway, cuz it's easy to clean. But it does rule out a lot of apartments, especially the cheap old ones, and the big old ones.

Some people just don't tell their landlords. For what it's worth, everyone in my neighborhood seems to have pets. Maybe hit up Nakameguro fudosans. If you live in Tokyo, it's a good area, anyway.

Good luck. Cats rock.

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

If anyone is seriously considering getting a cat, how about adopting an abused or abandoned cat? Plenty of great cats are available at Animal Refuge Kansai...

http://www.arkbark.net/e/index.htm

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Well I certainly wont be paying the 150,000 yen that they ask for them in pet stores! I had no idea cats were that expensive!

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

My neighbour's cat is having an affair with me. He stays when he wants to, avoiding the other cat bullies that he has to compete with at his house.

There are lots of homeless cats. Don't buy one.

A friend who lives near Ikebukuro adopted a miserable, blind, mangy kitten who turned out to be a real treasure and is now rather genki. Just keep you eyes open for needy pets when you're here.

Yawarakaijin · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 504 Location: Middle of Nagano

My retirement plan hinges solely on opening a cat store somewhere in Tokyo. Wink

I mean, have you seen the prices? F-ing ridiculous. American tabby cats going for 2,000$!? Holy Sh#t man. I seriously need a new line of work.

Gypsy Rose Kim · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 151

Man. I found both my cats as kittens on the streets of Seoul. I reckon that is a good way, though getting an older cat like through ARK will enable you to judge the cat's personality better. (Hard to tell how kittens are going to turn out.)